History Connection with the Great Gatsby #2

     I am about half way through The Great Gatsby and I have noticed many historical connections, which we have learned or will learn in my AP United States History curriculum. Mr. Gatsby when describing his life story to Nick discussed much about the war. Gatsby fought in World War I and was apparently successful from the coin he shows Nick of appreciation, which he was given for his admiration in war. Another major historical reference, which takes place often in the Gatsby household, are the extravagant popping 20s parties. The 20s are known for their luxuries of the wealthy men and women, swinging flapper dresses with feathers on ladies heads, and outrageous parties. These parties are accurately portrayed by Fitzgerald showing both the participants whom attended and the entertainment, which took place.

     Although we have not learned about these subjects in AP history yet we will in the future. World War I is a huge topic we will learn later and after the war we will soon get to the 20s. However, in the 20s, which was in the prohibition period, and throughout the novel the characters constantly drank. We have learned in history the affects alcohol consumption had on men, women, and the whole society. For example, during the temperance movement women tried to ban alcohol because of the horrible things men would do when under the influence, such as beat their wives, abuse their children, and not go to work. As I finish The Great Gatsby I will look for more connections from both history and English class.

The Great Gatsby: Blog #1

     Before I read The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, I knew some previous knowledge from others discussing the book and from the commercials for the movie. I was aware that the book was about the luxurious 20s and about extravagant parties the people threw, but I did not realize the deep plot and the aspects of self-made man in the work until I started reading it. In many of the characters descriptions of a self-made is not shown, but in one of the main characters, Gatsby, examples of a self-made man are strongly present.

     So far in my reading many of the wealthy characters, such as Daisy and her husband, did not get wealthy from being a self-made man and they did not work for their praise. Daisy married Tom and became very rich. Tom did not work for his money either because inherited much of his money through his family. Both of these characters are not examples of a self-made man because they did not work for their wealth through self-improvement and determination. However, later in the book I think some characters will appear that have achieved the American dream from work and focus, which are perfect examples of the self-made man.